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2012 Chicago Auto Show: Kia Track'ster

Monday, 13 February 2012 07:00Written by Brandy Schaffels

Kia shared a performance-oriented three-door Soul coupe concept at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show that hints at what could become the future of the popular box car on wheels. No hamsters were present at the unveiling of the Kia Track'ster; instead a heavy-metal soundtrack emphasized the eye-searing styling and pavement-searing powertrain of this two-seat concept.

Underhood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pumps 250 horsepower to the pavement, a 66 percent increase over that of the production Soul. Power is routed to all four wheels via an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. The short-throw six-speed manual transmission is capped with a stubby spherical shift lever. The Track’ster rides on a lowered sport suspension tuned for track performance. HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels are wrapped in 245/40-19-inch front and massive 285/35-19-inch rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high-performance tires. Stopping power is provided by large 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled disc brakes embraced by six-piston calipers in front and 13.6-inch discs paired with four-piston calipers at the rear.

Outside, the Kia Track'ster wears a eye-catching Whiteout and Inferno Orange paint scheme. Smoothly integrated headlights sweep back suggestively over the sculpted front-wheel arches, while deeply recessed lenses echo the trapezoid themes found throughout the Track’ster and are accented with compelling LEDs. Kia’s signature upper grille features a carbon-fiber-trimmed air intake slit, while the enormous lower intake grille -- flanked by immense LED driving lights with billet aluminum surrounds -- enables the Track’ster to swallow prodigious amounts of air to keep the engine running cool even under the most grueling conditions. The lower valance, also trimmed in carbon fiber and accented with Inferno Orange, rides just inches off the ground and lends to the car’s menacing stance.

Opening the driver’s door reveals a light and airy interior highlighted with deeply bolstered Inferno Orange suede-covered racing seats, while Granite Gray leather and suede wraps the interior surfaces, steering wheel, and door panels. The rear seats have been removed and replaced with integrated equipment storage while the rear cargo deck holds the spare tire; a custom rear strut brace incorporates a quick-release handle to allow for fast wheel changes. “We saw the Track’ster as a performance-inspired concept that could spend time on the road and racetrack,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer for Kia Motors America. “The idea was to make the tools and equipment necessary to keep the car performing in top condition easily accessible.” Large bins stow racing gear such as helmets, suits, gloves, and tools while emergency supplies are housed within another highly visible Inferno Orange container.

Shopping for a new Kia Soul?

There are no current plans to produce the three-door, two-seat Track’ster concept on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show so you'll have to be satisfied with choosing between the three trim levels of the current Kia Soul. Before you head to the dealership, be sure to visit www.truecar.com to find target pricing for the car you're interested in buying. TrueCar makes car buying simpler and more enjoyable than it’s ever been by showing you what other people have paid for a new car (by make and model) in your local area

Comments

Auth17-07-2012, 23:09

"Please reread, see "big" 4 cyl- 1.4 and 1.8 litre are not large 4 cyl, why doesn't GM use a 2.2 or 2.4 litre, which they have."Why use more lirtes resulting in a thrister engine? Unless the larger 4's are used in sport models (ie: cruze SS), why bother?